Podcasts about Baker Institute

The Gulf has been a key target for Iranian missiles and drones. Iran has struck infrastructure, oil and gas installations, civilian areas, and US military bases. These attacks have struck at the heart of the Gulf's image as a safe and stable environment. While the region deals with Iranian attacks, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been working out how to deal with each other. The Saudi-Emirati rivialry has been rumbling on for a number of years now, and during this conflict, they both have conflicting ideas about how to deal with Iran, who they should be allied with, and how they can protect their economies. This week, how have the Saudi and Emirati economies been impacted by the war? Why did the UAE leave OPEC? And what do these two competing regional powers what in Iran? Joining us to discuss the UAE and how it has been impacted by the war is Giorgio Cafiero (@GiorgioCafiero), CEO of Gulf State Analytics (@GulfStateAnalyt), and adjunct assistant professor at Georgetown University (@Georgetown). And to guide us through Saudi Arabia, we speak with Kristian Coates Ulrichsen (@Dr_Ulrichsen), Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy (@BakerInstitute). This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil with additional music from Audio Network. To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts or email podcast@newarab.com

In this segment, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, a former businessman, lawyer, opinion columnist and editorial board member at the House Chronicle and the author of "Unapologetically Moderate". He shares his thoughts on today's Republican U.S. Senate runoff between the incumbent John Cornyn and the Trump-backed challenger, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

In hour 3, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, a former businessman, lawyer, opinion columnist and editorial board member at the House Chronicle and the author of "Unapologetically Moderate". He shares his thoughts on today's Republican U.S. Senate runoff between the incumbent John Cornyn and the Trump-backed challenger, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. He's later joined by George Rosenthal, a Co-Owner of Throttlenet for Tech Talk Tuesday. They discuss multiple topics including what your data is really worth, the Pope's new encyclical on AI, the Princeton Cheat AI epidemic and more. They wrap up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark recaps his trip to Las Vegas. He is then joined by Sean Spicer, the Host of The Sean Spicer Show. Spicer discusses the latest on the Texas runoff election, the latest in Iran, and he previews his new book, "Trump 2.9". Mark is later joined by Jacob Olidort, a Chief Research Officer and Director of American Security at the America First Policy Institute. They discuss the latest in what President Trump is calling "very promising talks" with Iran. In hour 2, Mark recaps the "No Doubt" concert that he saw at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Sue then hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day and more. Mark is then joined by April Bleske-Rechek, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. They discuss her recent piece in The City Journal titled, "The 'Pipeline' Problem That Medical Schools Don't Want to Discuss". He's later joined by KSDK Sports Director Frank Cusumano. He discusses the notable Cardinals debuts of Brycen Mautz and Bryan Torres from over the weekend, the notable Indy 500 race and remembering of NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch, St Louis City winning again and more. In hour 3, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, a former businessman, lawyer, opinion columnist and editorial board member at the House Chronicle and the author of "Unapologetically Moderate". He shares his thoughts on today's Republican U.S. Senate runoff between the incumbent John Cornyn and the Trump-backed challenger, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. He's later joined by George Rosenthal, a Co-Owner of Throttlenet for Tech Talk Tuesday. They discuss multiple topics including what your data is really worth, the Pope's new encyclical on AI, the Princeton Cheat AI epidemic and more. They wrap up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

On Monday's show: Early voting begins today and runs through May 22 in the runoffs for the Texas primary races. We discuss that and Joe Panzarella's victory in a special election runoff to fill the District C position on the Houston City Council with Mark Jones, political science fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.Also this hour: Sidewalks are a part of public infrastructure that could easily be overlooked. But, according to a new book, sidewalks are at the core of numerous major debates. Michael Pollack discusses his book, Sidewalk Nation, which features a chapter about Houston.Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listener questions about their pets.And we discuss Jose Altuve's injury and the Astros' weekend series win over the Texas Rangers with Jeff Balke of the Bleav in Astros podcast, then discuss the Texans' 2026 schedule with Houston Chronicle NFL and Texans reporter Jonathan Alexander.Watch

Is desalination the wave of the future in the Texas economy? In this episode, we dive into the challenges, benefits, and potential place for desalination in the Texas economy. Join our hosts Robert and Carrie as they discuss the economic considerations in relation to desalination with Gabe Collins of Rice University. Today's Guest: Gabe Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy & Environmental Regulatory Affairs at Rice University's Baker Institute. Gabe Collins explores the economic considerations of desalination in Texas:  A Natural Commodity: Gabe outlines his entry into water law, economics, and desalination. (05:00) “Whoa! That's expensive!” this first-blush response is correct but evolving. (06:28) An emerging global player: Desalination is a small contender in the global economy, but “poised for significant growth.” (08:18) Tapped Out or Tapping In? Desalination as a means of supply diversification for communities with dwindling water resources (10:27) The Cutting Edge: Gabe offers a two-part timeline for the water outlook for Texas water infrastructure. (12:25) At the wellhead: Gabe and Robert discuss cost and infrastructure challenges of desalination. (16:10) And Don't Miss What's Coming Next! Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a season review and discussion on the outlook for desalination in Texas. Episode Links and Resources:  Prospective Costs and Consequences of Insufficient Water Infrastructure Investment in Texas Texas 2036 Texas Desalination Association Submit a question to the pod! Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace   We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠. 

In this episode of The LatinNews Podcast, we explore recent political developments in Mexico, including US indictments of Mexican politicians, the influence of organised crime, and the implications for Mexico-US relations.Guest expert Tony Payan provides deep insights into the complex web of politics, crime, and international pressure. Tony Payan, PhD, is the Claudio X. Gonzalez Fellow in US-Mexico Studies, the Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies, and the executive director of the Claudio X. González Center for the US and Mexico at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. He is also a professor of social sciences at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico.We look at events rapidly unfolding in Mexico and put them into context for President Sheinbaum as the country approaches elections in 2027 and amid signs of strain within the Morena party.Follow LatinNews for  analysis on economic, political, and security developments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Twitter: @latinnewslondonLinkedIn: Latin American NewslettersFacebook: @latinnews1967For more insightful, expert-led analysis on Latin America's political and economic landscape, read our reports for free with a 14-day trial. Get full access to our entire portfolio.

I wanted to share with you a new podcast that I've had a hand in supporting. Houston at Large is a show produced by Rice University Master of Global Affairs students Luisa Tolda and Dante Garcia. The podcast aims to analyze Houston's role in international matters such as immigration, energy, and trade. The first episode of this series, presented today, features Dr. Tony Payan, Director of the Claudio X. González Center for the U.S. and Mexico at the Baker Institute at Rice University. In this episode, Dr. Payan discusses a range of issues, including how immigration impacts Houston and how current events, such as the Iran conflict, have affected Houston, a major energy hub. Congratulations to these students for bringing this podcast to life! Now here are Luisa Tolda and Dante Garicia.         

Iran has attacked a UAE petroleum site in Fujairah, just days after the United Arab Emirates announced it was leaving OPEC. As the Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens and oil prices keep rising, could this accelerate the shift to renewables, or are we heading into an era of energy volatility? In this episode: Jim Krane (@jimkrane), Co-director of the Middle East Energy Roundtable, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Episode credits: This episode was produced by David Enders and Sarí el-Khalili with Chloe K. Li, Catherine Nouhan, Tuleen Barakat, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Tamara Khandaker. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark is joined by Jacob Olidort, a Chief Research Officer and Director of American Security at the America First Policy Institute. Olidort shares the latest on the Strait of Hormuz and more. He's later joined by Missouri's Second District Congresswoman Ann Wagner. Congresswoman Wagner discusses the Iran War, the Government Shutdown deal, the US Postal Service woes and more. In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day and more. Mark is then joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, a former businessman, lawyer, opinion columnist and editorial board member at the House Chronicle and the author of "Unapologetically Moderate". They discuss his latest article which is headlined, "Control of the U.S. Senate Now a Toss Up." He's later joined by KSDK Sports Director Frank Cusumano. Cusumano discusses the Cardinals staying hot with a series win over the Dodgers and more. In hour 3, Mark is joined by John Ziegler, the Co-Host of the podcast, “The Death of Journalism” and a former Mediaite Columnist. Ziegler discusses the pending demise of LIV Golf, the NCAA potentially adding more teams to March Madness, updates on the California governor and Los Angeles Mayor's races. He's later joined by Christian Twiste, with Confessions of a Conservative Atheist. They discuss his latest piece which is headlined, "Springsteen: The Good, The Bad, and The Ridiculously Trump-Deranged at the Prudential Center." They wrap up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day and more. Mark is then joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, a former businessman, lawyer, opinion columnist and editorial board member at the House Chronicle and the author of "Unapologetically Moderate". They discuss his latest article which is headlined, "Control of the U.S. Senate Now a Toss Up." He's later joined by KSDK Sports Director Frank Cusumano. Cusumano discusses the Cardinals staying hot with a series win over the Dodgers and more.

In this segment, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, a former businessman, lawyer, opinion columnist and editorial board member at the House Chronicle and the author of "Unapologetically Moderate". They discuss his latest article which is headlined, "Control of the U.S. Senate Now a Toss Up."

The US has severely depleted key munitions in the Iran war - and it's already having global consequences. From delayed deliveries to allies such as Japan, South Korea and Ukraine, to a knockon impact on any future wars - such as a potential conflict with China over Taiwan - new analysis of America's strategic stockpiles do not make for comfortable reading. Venetia Rainey talks to Mark Cancian and Chris Park from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) about what's running low, why and what impact it will have. Plus, will Donald Trump strike a deal with Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz instead of prioritising a nuclear agreement? That's what Tehran is reportedly proposing today, but as veteran US diplomat David Satterfield explains, that comes with its own problems. With Iran playing the long-game in an asymmetric war, the former ambassador says Trump does not have many good options available. CONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host @venetiaraineyDavid Satterfield, former US diplomat and director of Baker Institute for Public PolicyMark Cancian, senior fellow CSIS @MarkCancianChris Park, research associate CSIS @chrhsparkCONTENT REFERENCED:Last Rounds? Status of Key Munitions at the Iran War Ceasefirehttps://www.csis.org/analysis/last-rounds-status-key-munitions-iran-war-ceasefireProducer: Elliot LampittExecutive Producers: Venetia Rainey & Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk ► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

- No sólo parece el electrocardiograma de un muerto, sino que así se va a quedar la economía de México, por culpa de un Narco Régimen que ha destruido todos los factores que la podrían despertar de su letargo. - No se trata de un tema técnico para economistas, se trata de tu ingreso, de tu patrimonio, de tu gasto, de tus deudas, de tus posibilidades de mejorar tu empleo o hacer crecer tu negocio. - Es decir, las decisiones de gobierno, en materia económica, tienen un impacto directo en tu vida diaria. - Te lo voy a explicar con base en un estudio muy interesante y fácil de entender que hicieron en el Baker Institute. - Vale la pena que lo entiendas, para que le pases la factura a quienes destruyeron a la República. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The political and energy landscape in Venezuela was upended in early January, sparking a sudden and rapid opening of the country's massive oil and natural gas reserves. As the Iran war shifts the global spotlight, Venezuela's potential to become a cornerstone of the Western Hemisphere's energy system has returned to the forefront of the industry's mind. In this episode of Hub & Flow, NGI sits down with Francisco Monaldi, director of the Latin American Energy Program at Rice University's Baker Institute, to discuss whether Venezuela is truly “investable” again. From the massive flaring of associated gas to the strategic push to link offshore fields to Trinidad and Tobago's LNG infrastructure, this episode explores the legal hurdles and geopolitical risks that could determine whether this historic opening leads to a genuine energy renaissance.

Arab Digest editor William Law has invited two top energy analysts - the Baker Institute's Jim Krane and Arab Digest's Alastair Newton - onto the podcast to discuss the implications and the impact for energy markets as Donald Trump vows to use force to open the passage. Iran's Gulf neighbours and the wider region wonder, as does the rest of the world, how the war will end and where markets are headed once it does. The podcast was recorded 7 April at 1500 GMT Sign up NOW at ArabDigest.org for free to join the club and start receiving our daily newsletter & weekly podcasts.

We present a Special Episode recorded this past week at S&P Global's CERAWeek 2026 in Houston, TX, where the theme was Convergence and Competition: Energy, Technology and Geopolitics.   David Greely sat down with Aldo Flores-Quiroga in the Podcast Studio in the Nexus Ballroom at CERAWeek. Aldo is Non Resident Fellow for Latin America Energy Studies at the Center for Energy Studies (CES) at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.   David and Aldo discuss the role of convergence and competition in the North American energy industry, as well as global geopolitics following the U.S. military actions in Venezuela and Iran.  

Part 1:We talk with Kristian Coates-Ulrichsen, Ph.D., Fellow for Middle East at the Baker Institute.We discuss the effects on the energy markets as a result of the US attacks on Iran. This conflict has spead to the whole Middle East, as as Iran attacks other oil and gas producing countries in the region. The world economy is affected as a whole. Israel wants to extend the war as long as possible in order to tally destroy Iran as a possible aggressor in future. But this is causing irreversible and lasting damage all around. Negotiations do not seem to be feasible, due to the lack of trust.Part 2:We talk with Christina Canterucci, Slate Senior Writer.We discuss the revelations about the actions of Cesar Chavez. Canterucci has interviewed Dolores Huerta, and we discuss the effects on her and on others who were victimized by Chavez.  WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: "That's how every empire falls," John Pine, 2015

In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor speaks with analyst Annelle Sheline about the history of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. They discuss the state of the American "security umbrella" from the perspective of leadership in Qatar and Saudi Arabia and the perspective that American military bases are liabilities. They also look at prospects for greater regional integration due to greater insecurity.   See this brief by Annelle Sheline: "Are Qatar and Saudi Arabia Reassessing Their Reliance on the US?" (Quincy Institute, 2/26/26) Annelle Sheline, Ph.D., is a research fellow in the Quincy Institute's Middle East program. She previously served as a Foreign Affairs Officer at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor's Office of Near Eastern Affairs (DRL/NEA), before resigning in March 2024 in protest over the Biden administration's unconditional support for Israeli military operations in Gaza. Annelle is completing a book manuscript on religious authority in the Middle East, focused on the countries of Jordan, Morocco, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. She is a senior non-resident fellow at the Arab Center of Washington DC, a non-resident fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, and an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University. She holds a Ph.D. in political science from George Washington University. Listen to additional conversations she's held with FMEP: "Jordan, the Gulf, and American Policy in Palestine" (November 2025) and "RESIGNED: The Former Biden Admin Officials Who Left Their Jobs Over Gaza" (April 2024).  Ahmed Moor is a Palestinian-American writer born in Gaza and a Fellow at FMEP. He is an advisory board member of the US Campaign for Palestinian rights, co-editor of After Zionism (Saqi Books) and is currently writing a book about Palestine. He also currently serves on the board of the Independence Media Foundation. His work has been published in The Guardian, The London Review of Books, The Nation, and elsewhere. He earned a BA at the University of Pennsylvania and an MPP at Harvard University. You can follow Ahmed on Substack at: https://ahmedmoor.substack.com.  Original music by Jalal Yaquoub.

This episode assesses the "transition"—if that is the correct word—in Venezuela nine weeks after the January 3 U.S. military operation that extracted Nicolás Maduro. This conversation with Laura Dib, director of WOLA's Venezuela program, and Francisco Monaldi, director of the Latin American Energy Program at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, focus particularly on the role of oil, the country's largest source of foreign exchange by far. Dr. Monaldi acknowledges that oil revenues have increased significantly. However, these revenues now flow into a U.S.-controlled account. The lack of transparency around this fund—including unknown balances and unclear disbursement rules—is deeply concerning. Dib emphasizes that ordinary Venezuelans have yet to feel material improvements. Over 12.4 million out of perhaps 29 million Venezuelans facing severe humanitarian needs, and "when Venezuelans go to a supermarket right now, they don't really feel a change." While more than 600 political prisoners have been released since January, over 700 remain detained, and the repressive apparatus that sustained Maduro's government remains largely intact under Delcy Rodriguez's control. Dr. Monaldi explains that Venezuela needs approximately $100 billion in oil sector investment to restore production to levels seen twenty years ago. Yet the recent reform of Venezuela's hydrocarbons law grants the oil minister enormous discretion over tax rates and contract allocation, creating precisely the kind of uncertainty that deters serious investment. Monaldi and Dib note that Venezuela currently lacks even a published national budget, and its ranking as the third most corrupt country on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index reflects the dismantlement of democratic institutions. Dr. Monaldi draws a parallel to post-Soviet Russia, warning that how oil contracts are allocated in the coming months could determine the country's trajectory for decades—either creating a transparent system or enriching a new class of oligarchs. Both guests stress that sustainable economic recovery is impossible without meaningful progress toward the rule of law. "Oil companies do not care about democracy... they do focus on the rule of law. And in the case of Venezuela, I don't think we will see any stable rule of law unless we get a transition to democracy," Dr. Monaldi says. With their current leverage, oil firms should push for democratic reforms as a condition of investment, Dib suggests. She calls on the U.S. Congress to exercise oversight and notes that the administration's stated goals—regional security and reducing migration—cannot be achieved without addressing the humanitarian emergency and rebuilding institutions. Both guests express concern that the Trump administration appears focused narrowly on oil production rather than the broader institutional reforms necessary for Venezuela's long-term stability. " I don't see any indication that a system is being built for this to happen in the proper way," Monaldi warns. Expectations are rising in Venezuela, but they will not be met without transparency, accountability, democracy, and the rule of law.

The world could face one of the most severe shocks to energy markets since the 1970s as we enter week two of the war in the Middle East.The strait of Hormuz, the artery for 20 per cent of the world's oil and gas, has been effectively shut down. Qatar, which makes up one fifth of the world's liquefied natural gas exports, has stopped production of LNG after Iran struck two of its sites. In the aftermath natural gas prices spiked in Asia and Europe.Jim Krane, a fellow in Middle East Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, is here to talk through the high stakes. Jim also reported for the Associated Press in the Middle East for years.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

The February 22, 2026 death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, head of Mexico's powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has reignited debate about security, governance, and the strength of Mexico's organized crime institutions. In the days following the operation, cartel-linked violence spread across multiple states — underscoring both the reach of organized crime and the risks of confronting it. Tony Payan, director of the Baker Institute's Claudio X. González Center for the United States and Mexico, joins Ambassador David Satterfield to examine what Oseguera's death could mean for Mexico's fight against organized crime and the evolving role of the United States in that effort. They discuss the extent of U.S. involvement and coordination in the operation, the political and security pressures facing President Claudia Sheinbaum as she intensifies the government's campaign against cartels, and what this moment may signal for the future of U.S.–Mexico security cooperation. At the center of the conversation is a critical question: Will this operation strengthen the rule of law in Mexico — or simply trigger another cycle of violence? This conversation was recorded on February 26, 2026 Listen and subscribe on your favorite platform. Mentioned in this episode: Tony Payan, https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/tony-payan

In this segment, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, a former businessman, lawyer, opinion columnist and editorial board member at the House Chronicle and the author of "Unapologetically Moderate". They discuss Primary Day in Texas with a big Senate race nearing, Trump's concerning polling numbers in the state and more.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, a former businessman, lawyer, opinion columnist and editorial board member at the House Chronicle and the author of "Unapologetically Moderate". They discuss Primary Day in Texas with a big Senate race nearing, Trump's concerning polling numbers in the state and more. Mark is later joined by Brian Ping, a News Anchor for KNX Radio in Los Angeles and a St Louis native. Ping reacts to the video depositions of whistleblowing Los Angeles firefighters and more.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, a former businessman, lawyer, opinion columnist and editorial board member at the House Chronicle and the author of "Unapologetically Moderate". They discuss Primary Day in Texas with a big Senate race nearing, Trump's concerning polling numbers in the state and more. Mark is later joined by Brian Ping, a News Anchor for KNX Radio in Los Angeles and a St Louis native. Ping reacts to the video depositions of whistleblowing Los Angeles firefighters and more. In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day and more. Mark also tells a great story involving a past interview with actor Dustin Hoffman. Mark is later joined by Asra Nomani, a Senior Editor of Investigations at Fox News Digital, a Senior Fellow at the Independent Women's Network and the Founder of the Pearl Network. Nomani shares her thoughts on the United States and Israel bombing Iran. In hour 3, Mark is joined by Susan Crabtree, a Real Clear Politics National Political Correspondent and the Co-Author of "Fool's Gold": The Radicals, Con Artists, and Traitors Who Killed the California Dream and Now Threaten Us All." She discusses her latest Real Clear Politics piece which is headlined "Top Library Advocate: Backing Drag Queen Story Hour Supports Parental Choice." Mark is later joined by George Rosenthal, a Co-Owner of Throttlenet for Tech Talk Tuesday. They discuss Iran's "Digital Bunker" warefare, the Death of Copper (Silicon Photonics) and more. They wrap up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

Visit us at Network2020.org. The year 2026 kicked off with a massive shake-up in U.S. foreign and energy policy. Through bold action, the Trump administration is signaling its conviction that global power lies in controlling physical energy reserves, such as those in Venezuela, rather than adhering to international climate treaties. By planning to invest billions into fixing Venezuela's oil infrastructure, the U.S. aims to flood the market with cheap crude oil and push prices down to $50 a barrel. This strategy is designed to weaken foreign oil monopolies in the Western Hemisphere, starve rival world powers of export revenues, and collapse the energy lifelines that have sustained ideologically aligned neighbors of Venezuela. What will be the strategic impact of this situation on countries like China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba? What are the costs and benefits for private oil companies investing in a market defined by a history of expropriation? How will cheap crude impact the global energy transition and the growing power demands of the AI revolution?Join us for a discussion on the vision for the U.S. energy strategy and how that fits into the future global energy mix, featuring Dr. Caroyln Kissane, Associate Dean of the graduate programs in Global Affairs and Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime at New York University's Center for Global Affairs, Robert McNally, Founder and President of Rapidan Energy Group and White House energy advisor to President George W. Bush and Dr. Francisco Monaldi, Director of the Latin America Energy Program at Rice University's Baker Institute.Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay.

Hablamos en Washington D.C. con la periodista Dori Toribio; en Houston con el director del Programa de Energía de América Latina del Baker Institute, Francisco Monaldi, y en San Juan con Pedro Reina, profesor de la Universidad de Puerto Rico

In this segment, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute and a Former Opinion Columnist and Editorial Board Member at the House Chronicle. King discusses a recent Democrat upset in a Texas State Senate district and how it could be a warning sign for Republicans, thoughts on the midterm and more.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute and a Former Opinion Columnist and Editorial Board Member at the House Chronicle. King discusses a recent Democrat upset in a Texas State Senate district and how it could be a warning sign for Republicans, thoughts on the midterm and more. Mark is later joined by Joe Nocera, a Senior Editor and Writer with The Free Press. He discusses his latest piece which is titled, "The Way Out of the Immigration Mess."

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute and a Former Opinion Columnist and Editorial Board Member at the House Chronicle. King discusses a recent Democrat upset in a Texas State Senate district and how it could be a warning sign for Republicans, thoughts on the midterm and more. Mark is later joined by Joe Nocera, a Senior Editor and Writer with The Free Press. He discusses his latest piece which is titled, "The Way Out of the Immigration Mess." In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day and much more. Mark is then joined by John Ziegler, the Co-Host of The Death of Journalism podcast. He shares his thoughts on the Washington Post's mass layoffs, what led to it and more. In hour 3, Mark is joined by Duane Patterson with Hot Air and the Host of the Duane's World Podcast. Duane discusses the latest trending political news including President Trump and Tom Homan's decision to pull hundreds of ICE agents out of Minneapolis and the reasoning behind it. In this segment, Mark is joined by author James Owen. Owen previews His New Book, "The Wicked Among Us: Murder, Blackmail, and Book Collecting in the Ozarks". They wrap up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

 Part 1: Venezuela's Oil: How It Powered The World & What Went WrongOnce one of the world's richest oil producers, Venezuela's rise seemed unstoppable. We look at how politics, power struggles and global pressure led to the complete breakdown of this South American country. As the consequences still unfold, will Venezuela and its oil industry make a comeback in this globally unstable environment?Guest: Skip York, nonresident fellow for global oil, The Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University.Host: Gary PriceProducer: Amirah Zaveri What Children Already Know - And How Parents Can RespondKids today are absorbing far more than many adults realize - often before anyone has explained what it all means. We look at how parents can meet these moments with clarity, honesty, and care, even when the right words don't come easily.Guest: Dr. Elena Lister, child, adolescent & adult psychiatrist, faculty, Columbia University and Cornell University, author of Giving Hope.Host: Marty PetersonProducer: Amirah Zaveri Viewpoints Explained: Why Nuclear Power Is Making A ComebackOnce seen as too risky and politically fraught, nuclear power is being reexamined as energy demand rises and supply chains grow less reliable. We explain why more countries, including the U.S., are warming back up to an option they once tried to leave behind.  Host: Ebony McMorrisProducer: Amirah Zaveri   Culture Crash: The Movies We're Waiting To See In 2026A new movie year is taking shape and expectations are already high. We cover some of what we're most looking forward to this year.  Host:  Evan RookProducer: Evan Rook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Part 1: Venezuela's Oil: How It Powered The World & What Went WrongOnce one of the world's richest oil producers, Venezuela's rise seemed unstoppable. We look at how politics, power struggles and global pressure led to the complete breakdown of this South American country. As the consequences still unfold, will Venezuela and its oil industry make a comeback in this globally unstable environment?Guest: Skip York, nonresident fellow for global oil, The Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University.Host: Gary PriceProducer: Amirah Zaveri Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode explores the extraordinary start to 2026 following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces and his subsequent transport to stand trial in New York. Host Rory Johnston is joined, once again, by Francisco Monaldi of Rice University's Baker Institute to analyze the new "remote control" era of Venezuelan governance. The discussion details the installation of Delcy Rodríguez as interim president and her complex role as a pragmatist navigating the revolution's survival under intense US pressure. Listeners will gain insights into the immediate market impact of 30 to 50 million barrels of stored oil being rerouted from the Chinese black market to the U.S. Gulf Coast. The conversation also examines the long-term challenges of rebuilding an industry that requires up to $100 billion and a decade of stability to reach its former peak production. Monaldi breaks down the legal and operational shifts necessary for American "wildcatters" and majors like Chevron to safely ramp up activity within the country's dilapidated infrastructure. Finally, the episode reflects on a "new market order" where geopolitical vibes and discretionary policy decisions increasingly dictate global crude flows.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark and the crew discuss what is next for the Reardon Roundtable now that Jane Dueker is working with Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway. Mark is then joined by Charles Lipson, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago. He discusses his thoughts on the Minneapolis ICE Shooting, the revolution occurring in Iran and if the US should get involved & more. He's later joined by Former US Senator from Missouri Jim Talent. He shares his thoughts on the revolution occurring in Iran, what is next for Venezuela and the United States' involvement in it and more. In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day and more. Mark is then joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute. He shares his thoughts on Minnesota suing the Department of Homeland Security, more on the ICE shooting and more. He's later joined by KSDK Sports Director Frank Cusumano who discusses the College Football and NFL Playoff games, the Blues extending Philip Broberg and more. In hour 3, Mark is joined by Curtis Houck, the Managing Editor of News Busters at the Media Research Center. He discusses the liberal media coverage of the Minneapolis ICE shooting. He's later joined by Missouri State Senator Nick Schroer. He discusses the first full week of the new Session being underway as well as what his top priorities are. They wrap up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

In this segment, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute. He shares his thoughts on Minnesota suing the Department of Homeland Security, more on the ICE shooting and more.

In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day and more. Mark is then joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute. He shares his thoughts on Minnesota suing the Department of Homeland Security, more on the ICE shooting and more. He's later joined by KSDK Sports Director Frank Cusumano who discusses the College Football and NFL Playoff games, the Blues extending Philip Broberg and more.

The decision by the U.S. President Donald Trump administration to seize Venezuelan President Nicholás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to stand trial in the United States reflects the administration's willingness to undertake a muscular intervention in the Western Hemisphere. Delcy Rodríguez, who served as Maduro's vice president since 2018, has taken over as the interim president and seems to be on an uncertain path forward working with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, Trump's statement that the United States plans to “run” Venezuela until a permanent, stable transition can be realized raises more questions than it answers, in Venezuela and about U.S. foreign policy at large.  What precisely are the Trump administration's objectives in Venezuela? Was this a law enforcement operation or a serious effort to create a new political reality in Venezuela? Who are the key Venezuelan players the United States needs to engage and what is the role of the Venezuelan military? And what are the administration's intentions toward the Venezuelan oil industry and the role of American companies? Join Aaron David Miller as he engages the International Crisis Group's Phil Gunson, the Baker Institute's Francisco Monaldi, and Johns Hopkins SAIS's Cindy Arnson on these and other issues, on the next Carnegie Connects. 

Tensions between Venezuela and the U.S. have been growing over the past few months. And last Wednesday, the pressure point was oil. The U.S. government seized a tanker it says was filled with illegal oil headed to the black market, in violation of sanctions.The seizure was an unprecedented move. And it represents an escalation in the standoff between the two countries. In recent months, the U.S. has struck nearly two dozen suspected drug boats in nearby waters, issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela, and increased its naval presence in the Caribbean.The U.S. has long had economic and political interests in Venezuela. And the oil industry there has been a key part of that relationship. Francisco Monaldi, director of the Latin American Energy Program at the Baker Institute at Rice University, explains how the two nations got to this point.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.  Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Ava Berger and Alejandra Marquez Janse, with audio engineering by Tiffany Vera Castro. It was edited by Sarah Handel. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Trump Administration has gotten increasingly aggressive in its relations with Nicholas Maduro's government in Venezuela, accumulating a historic volume of US military capability in the Caribbean and cancelling a raft of oil sector operating licenses. Whether or not this leads to outright regime change, it seems like we are on the precipice of something major occurring on Venezuela.What could all of this mean for Venezuela's chronically challenged but stupendously high potential oil industry? To help me explore this question, I'm joined today by Dr Francisco Monaldi, the director of the Latin America Energy Program and the Wallace S Wilson Fellow in Latin American Energy Policy at the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. Fransisco has spent decades chronicling and analyzing Venezuela's oil sector and brings a very welcome and encyclopedia body of knowledge to bear in our conversation.

From the “Baker Briefing” podcast: A water crisis along the U.S.-Mexico border is growing. The 1944 Water Treaty has long guided how both nations share the Rio Grande and Colorado rivers, but climate change, drought, and growing demand are testing its limits. Guest host Tony Payan speaks with Rosario Sanchez, a senior research scientist at the Texas Water Resources Institute, and Ivonne Cruz, a research scholar at the Baker Institute, about how to rethink water cooperation for an age of scarcity — and what it will take to build a more resilient future for both countries. Featured guests: Ivonne Cruz, Ph.D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/ivonne-cruz Rosario Sanchez, Ph.D., https://twri.tamu.edu/rosario-sanchez/   Mentioned in this episode: Mexico Country Outlook 2026, Rice University's Baker Institute, https://www.bakerinstitute.org/research/mexico-country-outlook-2026 More about Tony Payan, Ph.D.: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/tony-payan Follow Tony Payan on X (@PayanTony) and LinkedIn. You can follow @BakerInstitute and @BakerInstMexico on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

Annelle Sheline is a research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. She previously served as a Foreign Affairs Officer at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor's Office of Near Eastern Affairs (DRL/NEA), before resigning in March 2024 to protest the Biden administration's unconditional support for Israeli military operations in Gaza. She is a senior non-resident fellow at the Arab Center of Washington DC and a non-resident fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. She holds a PhD in political science from George Washington University. She has written for Foreign Affairs, The Washington Post, The Nation, Foreign Policy, and The New Republic, and has appeared on the BBC, CNN, CBS, and Al Jazeera

Gender by the Book: 21st-Century French Children's Literature (Routledge, 2025) investigates the gender representations that French children's literature transmits to readers today. Using an interdisciplinary, mixed methods approach, this book grounds its literary analysis in a sociohistorical examination of three key institutions – libraries, book clubs, and subscription magazines – that circulate reading material to children. It shows how French policies, cultural beliefs, and market forces influence the content of children's literature, including tensions between State support for unprofitable artistic endeavors and a belief in children's right to high-quality products on the one hand, and suspicion of activism as anathema to creativity and fear of losing boy readers on the other. In addition, the notion of universalism, which asserts that equality is best achieved when society is blind to differences, thwarts a diverse and equitable array of literary representations. Nevertheless, conditions are favorable for 21st-century French children's publishers to offer a robust body of richly entertaining egalitarian literature for children. Guest Julie Fette, author of Gender by the Book: 21st-Century French Children's Literature published in October 2024 by Routledge. Dr. Fette is Associate Professor of French Studies at Rice University where she is also Rice Faculty Scholar at the Center for the Middle East, Baker Institute and a Faculty Affiliate with the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality. She is also the author of Exclusions: Practicing Prejudice in French Law and Medicine, 1920-1945 from Cornell University Press in 2012 and the co-author of the textbook Les Français from Hackett in 2021, as well as numerous articles and book chapters on subjects from gender and professional life in France to teaching French studies in the classroom and online.  Host Gina Stamm is Associate Professor of French at The University of Alabama. Their research is concentrated on the environmental humanities and speculative literatures of the 20th and 21st centuries, from Surrealism to contemporary science fiction and feminist utopias, in Metropolitan France and the francophone Caribbean.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Gender by the Book: 21st-Century French Children's Literature (Routledge, 2025) investigates the gender representations that French children's literature transmits to readers today. Using an interdisciplinary, mixed methods approach, this book grounds its literary analysis in a sociohistorical examination of three key institutions – libraries, book clubs, and subscription magazines – that circulate reading material to children. It shows how French policies, cultural beliefs, and market forces influence the content of children's literature, including tensions between State support for unprofitable artistic endeavors and a belief in children's right to high-quality products on the one hand, and suspicion of activism as anathema to creativity and fear of losing boy readers on the other. In addition, the notion of universalism, which asserts that equality is best achieved when society is blind to differences, thwarts a diverse and equitable array of literary representations. Nevertheless, conditions are favorable for 21st-century French children's publishers to offer a robust body of richly entertaining egalitarian literature for children. Guest Julie Fette, author of Gender by the Book: 21st-Century French Children's Literature published in October 2024 by Routledge. Dr. Fette is Associate Professor of French Studies at Rice University where she is also Rice Faculty Scholar at the Center for the Middle East, Baker Institute and a Faculty Affiliate with the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality. She is also the author of Exclusions: Practicing Prejudice in French Law and Medicine, 1920-1945 from Cornell University Press in 2012 and the co-author of the textbook Les Français from Hackett in 2021, as well as numerous articles and book chapters on subjects from gender and professional life in France to teaching French studies in the classroom and online.  Host Gina Stamm is Associate Professor of French at The University of Alabama. Their research is concentrated on the environmental humanities and speculative literatures of the 20th and 21st centuries, from Surrealism to contemporary science fiction and feminist utopias, in Metropolitan France and the francophone Caribbean.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies

Gender by the Book: 21st-Century French Children's Literature (Routledge, 2025) investigates the gender representations that French children's literature transmits to readers today. Using an interdisciplinary, mixed methods approach, this book grounds its literary analysis in a sociohistorical examination of three key institutions – libraries, book clubs, and subscription magazines – that circulate reading material to children. It shows how French policies, cultural beliefs, and market forces influence the content of children's literature, including tensions between State support for unprofitable artistic endeavors and a belief in children's right to high-quality products on the one hand, and suspicion of activism as anathema to creativity and fear of losing boy readers on the other. In addition, the notion of universalism, which asserts that equality is best achieved when society is blind to differences, thwarts a diverse and equitable array of literary representations. Nevertheless, conditions are favorable for 21st-century French children's publishers to offer a robust body of richly entertaining egalitarian literature for children. Guest Julie Fette, author of Gender by the Book: 21st-Century French Children's Literature published in October 2024 by Routledge. Dr. Fette is Associate Professor of French Studies at Rice University where she is also Rice Faculty Scholar at the Center for the Middle East, Baker Institute and a Faculty Affiliate with the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality. She is also the author of Exclusions: Practicing Prejudice in French Law and Medicine, 1920-1945 from Cornell University Press in 2012 and the co-author of the textbook Les Français from Hackett in 2021, as well as numerous articles and book chapters on subjects from gender and professional life in France to teaching French studies in the classroom and online.  Host Gina Stamm is Associate Professor of French at The University of Alabama. Their research is concentrated on the environmental humanities and speculative literatures of the 20th and 21st centuries, from Surrealism to contemporary science fiction and feminist utopias, in Metropolitan France and the francophone Caribbean.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/education

In this segment, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, a Former Businessman and Lawyer, and a Former Opinion Columnist and Editorial Board Member at the House Chronicle. He discusses his latest piece in Real Clear Politics which is headlined, "Extending the ACA Subsidies".

In hour 3, Mark is joined by Tim Graham, the Executive Editor for the Media Research Center's Newsbusters. They discuss CNN hosting a Town Hall on the Government Shutdown, the media's coverage of the Middle East Peace Deal and more. Mark is then joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, a Former Businessman and Lawyer, and a Former Opinion Columnist and Editorial Board Member at the House Chronicle. He discusses his latest piece in Real Clear Politics which is headlined, "Extending the ACA Subsidies". He wraps up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark is joined by Rocky Sickmann, a former Iranian hostage and US Marine. He is also the Director of Anheuser-Busch's accounts for Folds of Honor. He shares his thoughts on the 20 hostages being released from Gaza. He is then joined by Asra Nomani, a Senior Fellow at the Independent Women's Network and the Founder of the Pearl Network. She shares her thoughts on the Middle East Peace Deal, the return of the Israeli hostages and more. In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day and more. He's later joined by Jamie Reed, the whistleblower from Washington University's Pediatric Transgender Center and the Executive Director of the LGB Courage Coalition. She reacts to being called a liar by John Oliver. In hour 3, Mark is joined by Tim Graham, the Executive Editor for the Media Research Center's Newsbusters. They discuss CNN hosting a Town Hall on the Government Shutdown, the media's coverage of the Middle East Peace Deal and more. Mark is then joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, a Former Businessman and Lawyer, and a Former Opinion Columnist and Editorial Board Member at the House Chronicle. He discusses his latest piece in Real Clear Politics which is headlined, "Extending the ACA Subsidies". He wraps up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

In hour 1, Mark is joined by Brian Kilmeade, the Co-Host of Fox and Friends and the Host of One Nation with Brian Kilmeade and The Brian Kilmeade Show. He discusses Jimmy Kimmel's return from suspension and the comments made in his first show back. He's later joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute. He discusses his latest piece in Real Clear Politics which is headlined, "How Many Immigrants Have Left the Country?" In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day, and much more. Alex Rich joins for the hour to discuss his newest gig, share a puppy update, and discuss the scary moment that occurred in baseball last night. In hour 3, Mark is joined by Curtis Houck, the Managing Editor of News Busters at the Media Research Center. He discusses Jimmy Kimmel's return to airwaves following his suspension from ABC and more. He's then joined by Thomas Helbig to discuss the Retirement Advisory Group's final Retirement Key Seminar of 2025. Mark is later joined by Jessica LeMaster, a Certified Special Education Advocate in St. Charles County. She shares her story of how the district is mistreating a student with disabilities. They wrap up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

In this segment, Mark is joined by Bill King, a Research Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute. He discusses his latest piece in Real Clear Politics which is headlined, "How Many Immigrants Have Left the Country?"

On Tuesday's show: In the years 2022 to 2024, the percentage of children without health insurance made its highest increase in almost a decade, according to a Georgetown University report. And Texas continues to have the highest percentage of uninsured children in the nation. We discuss what this means for the state with Elena Marks of Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.Also this hour: So far this year, it has been an awfully quiet hurricane season. We explore why as we chat with Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard.Then, singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell joins us in studio to perform and discuss his new album, Airline Highway. Crowell will appear at an in-store event at Cactus Music today at 5:30.And we preview the 2025 Gay Softball World Series, which takes place in Houston Sept. 21-27. We discuss what the tournament means for the city, for the athletes taking part, and for their fans.Watch